1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 — your move

Chess school for kids in Almaty

Chess Empire — the championship method that helped raise a women’s world champion. 6 branches across the city, certified coaches, a free trial lesson.

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  • 800+students
  • 10+years of experience
  • 2018founded
Chess pieces on a board
About Chess Empire

Our story

About the school

Chess Empire is a network of chess clubs in Almaty. We make chess accessible and effective, using the championship method that helped raise a women’s world champion.

All our coaches are certified and trained. We have more than 10 years of teaching experience and 800+ students.

We have been running since 2018 and have grown into a network of 6 branches across the city. Our method helped raise a women’s world champion.

Opening · I

Why parents choose us

Our championship method and a professional approach to teaching

Championship method

The same method that helped raise a women’s world champion. A proven training system with demonstrated results.

Certified coaches

All coaches are certified and specially trained to work with children of different ages.

6 branches across the city

It’s easy to find a convenient branch near your home. We work in all districts of Almaty.

A free book

The first book on our method is a gift for every new student.

Up to 4 tournaments a month

Free, included in the membership. Regular game practice to reinforce what’s been learned.

12 intellectual skills

In a single lesson a child trains 12 intellectual skills: thinking, attention, memory and more.

Middlegame · II

How training works

The path from first steps to an international FIDE rating of 1400+

  1. D

    Start

    Rating 0-200

    Rules of the game, how pieces move

  2. C

    Growth

    200 – 4th category

    Calculating variations, planning

  3. B

    Confidence

    4th – 3rd category

    Strategy, managing emotions

  4. A

    International

    3rd category – FIDE 1700

    Deep position analysis

  5. PRO

    Elite

    FIDE 1700+

    High-level play

At every level a child not only gets better at the game but also develops thinking, attention, memory, discipline and leadership. Classes are held in groups of up to 10.

III

Our branches

Chess Empire operates at 6 locations in Almaty — choose the branch nearest to you

Every weekend

Liga B and Liga C tournaments

Our students play in tournaments every weekend at the Gagarin Park, Debut, Halyk Arena, Almaty Arena and Almaty-1 branches.

It’s invaluable game practice that reinforces everything the child has learned in class. As they progress, children gain access to more serious tournaments.

Up to 4 free tournaments a month are included in the membership.

  • 4tournaments a month
  • 5branches
  • 52weekends a year
Chess tournament

Our coaches

FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters with extensive experience teaching children

  • Chingis Baurzhanovich

    Gagarin Park

    Co-founder and director of Chess Empire. Developer of the Chess Empire teaching method. Director of chess development in Kazakhstan at the Chess Federation. 2023–2024 President of the Almaty Chess Union. Over 10 years of coaching experience. Peak international FIDE rating 2121.

  • Assylkhan Agbaevich

    Assylkhan Agbaevich

    Debut

    FIDE Master, senior coach of Almaty, Honored Coach of the Republic of Kazakhstan, head of the Debut chess club.

  • Nail Ildusovich

    Debut

    Chess coach at Chess Empire.

  • Vasily Mikhaylovich

    Vasily Mikhaylovich

    Gagarin Park

    Chess coach at Chess Empire. FIDE Master (FM). Peak FIDE rating 2381. Champion of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Over 7 years of teaching experience.

  • Aleksandr Olegovich

    Aleksandr Olegovich

    Halyk Arena

    Chess coach at Chess Empire. FIDE Master. Has trained more than 700 students.

Programs

Training programs

Training is built as a path through levels — from first steps to an international FIDE rating of 1400+

  1. DStart

    A start in chess

    School rating 0–200

    Rules of the game, piece moves, concentration, memorising moves. The first step into chess for the youngest.

  2. CGrowth

    Growth and development

    200 – 4th category

    Calculating variations, game planning, reviewing mistakes, playing in tournaments. Active growth of chess skill.

  3. BConfidence

    Confidence and character

    4th – 3rd category

    Decisions under pressure, strategy, managing emotions. Building a chess character.

  4. AInternational

    International level

    3rd category – FIDE 1700

    Deep position analysis, playing in serious tournaments. Preparation for international competitions.

  5. PROElite

    Chess Empire Elite

    FIDE 1700+

    High-level play, leadership, mentoring. Training professional chess players.

Evening classes

Chess for adults

Adult classes are held at the Debut branch (71 Kabanbay Batyr St.), from 19:00 to 21:00.

5 000 ₸ per lesson

The trial lesson is free; afterwards you can talk to the coach and make your decision.

Book a trial lesson

Endgame · IV

Prices and memberships

Standard plans

Twice a week
60 minutes

29 500 ₸per month

  • 8 lessons a month
  • 4 free tournaments
  • Free book
  • Groups of up to 10

Twice a week
120 minutes

45 500 ₸per month

  • 8 lessons a month
  • 4 free tournaments
  • Free book
  • Groups of up to 10

4 times a week
60 minutes

44 250 ₸per month

  • 16 lessons a month
  • 4 free tournaments
  • Free book
  • Groups of up to 10

Gagarin Park and Debut plans

60 min, 8 lessons

35 900 ₸per month

90 min, 8 lessons

43 900 ₸per month

120 min, 8 lessons

51 900 ₸per month

4 times a week
60 min, 16 lessons

53 850 ₸per month

Discounts

  • 10%

    2 children

  • 20%

    3 children

  • 25%

    Large family
    (with a certificate)

  • 50%

    Person with a disability
    (terms to be confirmed)

Book your child a free trial lesson

The trial lesson is free and lasts about 30 minutes. The coach will get to know your child, assess their level and give you feedback after the lesson.

Journal

Useful articles

All about how chess helps children develop, tips for parents and school news

Article 1

How chess develops a child’s intellect

Scientific research on how chess affects children’s cognitive abilities...

Read more →
Article 2

How much time to spend on chess

Recommendations on lesson frequency and length for different ages...

Read more →
Article 3

Preparing for first tournaments

Tips for parents: how to help your child cope with nerves...

Read more →

Parent reviews

What our students’ parents say

«In six months our son has changed a lot — he’s become more attentive and patient. Now he asks to go to class himself! The coach found a great approach to him.»

Anna K.Artyom’s mom, age 7

«Our daughter has been training for a year and earned the 4th category. We’re very happy with the method and the atmosphere. Tournaments are a special love — she can’t wait for them.»

Sergey M.Alina’s dad, age 9

«We tried other schools, but the approach here really is different. Our child doesn’t just play — he understands the game. I recommend it to everyone!»

Elena N.Daniyar’s mom, age 8

Frequently asked questions

How much does training cost?

The cost depends on the branch and the chosen plan. Standard plans start at 29 500 ₸/month for 2 lessons a week of 60 minutes. Prices are slightly higher at the Gagarin Park and Debut branches. See the details in the “Prices and memberships” section.

Which branches have Kazakh-speaking coaches?

Kazakh-speaking coaches work at the Debut, Zhandosov and Almaty Arena branches.

Do you offer private lessons?

Private lessons are only given as a trial lesson or when preparing for major championships (10 000 ₸/hour). For beginners and continuing students we recommend the group format — it is more effective for development.

What is the class schedule?

Classes are held twice a week for 60 minutes (90 or 120 minutes for ranked players). Groups run Mon/Wed and Tue/Thu: 9:00–18:00, Sat/Sun: 9:00–13:00. Friday is a day off.

Can we attend once a week?

No, this format isn’t offered. Once-a-week lessons don’t give the necessary results and practice. Progress requires at least 2 lessons a week.

How do tournaments work and when can my child take part?

Tournaments are held every weekend at 5 branches. A child can take part after completing the first stage of training and passing an exam with the coach. Up to 4 free tournaments a month are included in the membership.

Can I buy a partial membership?

No, the membership is purchased in full. Attendance is only possible according to the set schedule.

Do you teach adults?

Yes, adult classes are held at the Debut branch (71 Kabanbay Batyr St.) from 19:00 to 21:00. One lesson costs 5 000 ₸. The trial lesson is free.

Do you accept “Damu Bala”?

No, we don’t have that program. We work with our own Chess Empire championship method.

Is there free training?

Only the trial lesson (30 minutes) is free. Training is paid — from 29 500 ₸/month. Discounts are available for large families and children with disabilities.

Do you create the personal account, or do we need to register ourselves?

The personal account is created after the first lesson together with the coach. We’ll help you register and explain how to use it.

Contacts

Contact us in any convenient way, or choose the nearest branch

Opening hours
Mon–Thu: 9:00-18:00
Sat–Sun: 9:00-13:00
Fri: closed

Checkmate

The first move is free

Book a free trial lesson